Flora the Horse Goes to Her New Home

MSPCA-Nevins Farm Nurtured the Emaciated, Critically Ill Equine Back to Full Health

Methuen, Mass., Oct. 21, 2015 – After a long and painful journey that began when she was surrendered this past spring to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm, her body emaciated and broken, Flora the horse is set to begin a whole new chapter: a peaceful life on a bucolic Massachusetts farm, with an owner dedicated to her health and wellbeing.

Flora has been adopted by Allison Mankivsky of Westwood, Mass. who will stable her at Cerulean Farm in Millis.

Flora arrived with two other horses at Methuen’s Nevins Farm in March 2015 after the 30-year-old Standardbred was rescued by the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement department. At the time, Nevins Farm barn manager Melissa Ghareeb called Flora “one of the saddest sights we’ve seen in a long time.”

Broken in Body and Spirit
At the time of her rescue Flora was severely emaciated and her back was covered by a large, heavily infected wound. Her movements were slow, she showed little enthusiasm for visitors and her ulcerated left eye was a stinging reminder of the neglect that defined her existence.

Extensive medical care, coupled with endless encouragement and a careful re-feeding program, slowly turned Flora around—so much so that by May, she was transferred to a foster home to continue her rehabilitation.

Ghareeb could not be happier that the once down-trodden horse has a new chance at life. “It’s unbelievably gratifying to witness Flora’s transformation, especially since there were moments at the beginning when we thought she might not make it at all,” said Ghareeb, who estimates that Flora has gained at least 300 pounds since her rescue.

For her part, Mankivsky is elated to establish a secure future for Flora. “I first met Flora at Nevins Farm in May—just a couple months after her rescue—and I just couldn’t get her out of my mind. I was determined to do everything I could to help her.”

Indeed by early summer Mankivsky decided to adopt the stunning brown horse. “Adopting Flora was the logical next step for me after seeing how far she had come. I’m so excited to officially welcome her to the Cerulean Farm!”

Life has also been kind to the two other horses surrendered alongside Flora. “Duncan” was adopted by a family in Wenham, Mass. and “Dewey” is in a foster home, awaiting permanent adoption.

Overwhelming Number of Surrendered Animals
At the time of their rescue, Flora, Duncan and Dewey were three of eight horses—all of whom suffering from various health issues—surrendered to Nevins Farm within 10 days. The pace of surrenders has continued unabated since.

“We’ve actually taken in about 20 additional horses since Flora first arrived,” said Ghareeb, whose team endures the constant struggle of caring for too many surrendered animals with limited space and financial resources. “We’re now approaching the time of year when surrenders are at their highest and adoptions at their lowest, so I’m concerned as always about space and resources.”

Readers who wish to donate to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm may do so by clicking here. And anyone interested in
horse adoption may click here.

Animal Cruelty Charges
The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department filed seven counts of felony animal cruelty against Flora’s previous owner, Cathy Richardson of Dracut. The case against Richardson is ongoing.

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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.